I, Mike McGroarty, am committed to turning you into a successful Backyard Grower. This post is all about you and your success. There truly are handful to things that you need to get started and be successful as soon as possible.
One of those tools is education. I work really hard to bring you as much information that I possibly can. Much of what I offer is free of charge, but there are a couple of educational tools that we have to charge for.
Easy Plant Propagation
My Book, “Easy Plant Propagation” is a wealth of information about plant propagation and it contains a great deal of good information about how to care for the small plants that you’ve rooted as well as pruning practices. Small plants have to be pruned. Plus there’s a month by month schedule in the back of the book that tells you exactly what you should be doing each month of the year. It’s only $19.95, Free Shipping.
The Advanced Training Manuals
This package consists of two additional training manuals that I think every aspiring backyard grower should have. Growing plants is easy, you’ll get that down in no time flat. But then you have to take it to the next level and sell those plants. One of the reasons that I am successful at what I do today is because I became an avid student of marketing years ago. Before I started studying marketing? My Life and My Business were a Train Wreck and I tell that Story Here.
(These are physical products shipped to your door, not digital)
Click here to read more about The Advanced Training Manuals.
My Backyard Growing System
The “Backyard Growing System” was really created to document my process for selling plants with Facebook ads. In the Spring of 2016 I decided to try advertising my plant sales using nothing but Facebook ads… just to see what the response was like. The very first weekend I test it, I got a 53 to 1 return on my ad spend. Since then, I’ve never used anything else to advertise my plant sales. The Backyard Growing System documents the entire process of setting up your very first Facebook ad and it also comes with a few PDF guides you can download too. It’s only $57.00… which is a crazy low price for the value. Learn more about it here.
The Backyard Growers University
We also have “The Backyard Growers University”. This is a compilation, a complete library of all the valuable information, videos etc. that I’ve created over the years along with things that Duston and I have created together. In the university you will find videos shot in 1994 from my very first backyard nursery and you can watch how that little tiny 1/20 of an acre nursery evolved into what we do today. This is completely digital, you can absorb it all via computer or iPad. We are giving this information away for only $97.00 Learn more about that here.
The Backyard Growers Business Center
I could go on and on about the Business Center for days if you let me. This is a private, members only area, where top shelf information is exchanged daily, really hourly, and it’s all archived. You can absorb years worth of information. You can get help almost instantly not only from me, but from the other members who are committed to making you successful.
It’s an amazing place and to be perfectly honest with you, I get emotional when I talk about it. In a million years I couldn’t have dreamed that somebody I would create such a place where members from around the world share information, help each other, share heart aches, because yes, life throws us some heart aches and these people are so much like family to one another that when one person is in pain the others feel it as well.
I have seen these people drive across the country to help another member in need. The things that I’ve seen them do for one another is what makes me emotional. I am extremely proud to be a member of that group.
The Business Center is the most expensive product that we sell because without a doubt, it’s the most valuable. We have members that have sold well over $100,000 worth of plant in our buy/sell area. Other members sell a few hundred dollars worth each and every time they offer something for sale.
Duston and I don’t think you should be buying a “Pig in a Poke” as the old saying goes, so we allow you to test drive The Business Center for 30 Days for a mere $7.00. We want you to experience it. We want you to see the value. It’s not for everybody, we know that, but you should at least do the test drive. More about that here.
The Automated Plant Propagation System.
This is the heart beat of a backyard growing operation. It’s like having a full time nanny on duty to watch over your cuttings 24 hours a day as they root. This is the system that every one of our successful backyard growers uses to root their cuttings. Other methods work, but this is the one that works exponentially better. Seriously. That means that the number of cuttings you can do in a single season truly is an exponential number compared to other methods. Read more about that here.
I Bought a New Refrigerator.
What!!!!!!!!!!!!! What does that have to do with this?
Somebody said to me; “I’d like to have your automated plant propagation system but it’s sooooooo expensive.”
It’s $297 for the basic components, that’s what we sell you. You’ll still need a handful of fittings and some PVC pipe from the hardware store.
And I thought about what she said, and I thought to myself; “Yes, $297 is a chunk of money, especially for somebody on a fixed income. But Pam and I just bought a new refrigerator and yes, it does have a lot of bells and whistles, but that stupid thing cost me $2,300 and the guy at the store said; “It will last you about 10 years.” Are you kidding me? $2,300 and it’s only going to last ten years????????
True or not I have no idea. But here’s my point. Look around your house. Look at the things you’ve purchased over the years. How much did each of them cost? How much money have they made you?
I already told you to go to the Buy/Sell Area of The Business Center and do your own research. Look at the ads.
When was the ad posted?
How many orders did it the seller get?
It’s all there. Dates, times, and you can easily calculate dollar amounts.
Do the math. People are selling thousands of dollars worth of plants just in the members area.
We never leave an ad up for more than 7 days. As soon as they hit 7 days we remove them. We new, fresh ads there on a daily basis.
If you do what I just suggested, you’ll be amazed and dumbfounded. One ad in that buy/sell area can easily pay for the automated propagation system and a few ads can pay for every single thing on this page.
Learn more about the Automated Plant Propagation System here.
I’ve included this photo of me hugging Finnegan because this is pretty much a daily ritual for me and both donkeys. I make it a point to spend some time with them and reflect on the amazing journey that my life has been and how I ended up here, on this Wonder Piece of Property that is My Paradise with thousands of plants and two awesome donkeys.
And of course where would I be without The Support of My Awesome Wife and that little yellow dog?
Wishing you all of the success in the world!
-Mike McGroarty
Hi, I am interested in making Fertilizer Tablets for Nursery plants. Any help & information will be much appreciated. Thanks
Osman,
I really can’t answer that. What kind of plants, how quickly will the fertilize release, what micro nutrients would be included? To me, this is very scientific and something that others have been perfecting for years. I wouldn’t know where to start. The fertilizer that I uses releases slowly over 5 or 6 months.
Mike,
Which of the Japanese Maples stay red all the time? I had one at my old house, that would be red when it leafed up, burgundy throughout the summer, and then a beautiful red again in the fall. I don’t remember it ever being truly ‘green.’ I bought it at Meijer one year, and it was labeled only “japanese red maple.”
I have heard the fireglow variety stays red year round, but have not had a lot of success finding one. What do you suggest?
Mary,
Upright maples, Bloodgood, Emporer 1 are two of the best. Weeping? Crimson Queen, Inaba Shidare, Everred.
Mike, can you cut rootings off plants that are blooming? I think it is called a Hydrangea, the one I am looking at starting. But also, would like to know if you can start roots on all blooming plants or wait till they are done blooming? I just started the backyard growers. I’m a little lost yet, but I will find everything in time. Alot of reading to do and exploring to do!! Thank you in advance for your help! Plus, I would like to thank you for giving me an opportunity to try something I enjoy doing, but never had the space for. Now I know I don’t need much space. YAY!!!!
Mary,
Yes you can take cuttings from blooming plants, just remove the flowers so they will root better. If you have joined the backyard growers you can log in here to interact with me and other members. https://backyardgrowers.com/wp-login.php
hello, I’m Aneesh from pooler, Savannah,Georgia, may I know do you ship cuttings or have your members nearby here? thank you.
Aneesh,
I don’t ship cuttings at this time but we have amazing members in your area that ship all kinds of cuttings and other plants. Super cheap, watch the video, https://secure.hillcountrydigitalmedia.com/byg-business-center
Hi Mike,
Greetings from Limerick, Ireland.
I have a problem with an Acer palmatum Red Emperor, Set in 2022, now 5 feet. No growth year 1, good growth year 2. Before the leaves started to emerge noticed a little bit of die-back so removed those parts. Now that the leaves are emerged, (and were perfect) I can see an issue with the bark. Sections are grey/brown, like you sandpapered or rubbed the bark top layer off. The smaller branches after this bark damage are now showing die-back on the leaves. The tree is standalone so nothing is rubbing. The soil is slightly acid and other acers have been sucessful for me.
If you had an opportunity to share your expertise it would be much appreciated.
Mary,
My first concern that is it is not planted too deep or in a wet area. Tip dieback is normal. Not sure about the bark.
Hey Mike,
What tree do you think makes a good privacy hedge? I need a tree that will grow at least 15 ft in height? There is a place in Covington, GA that is selling 7 gal (5 ft) Leyland Cyprus for $36 but I am not sure how well that will do here in Perry. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Rodney,
Leland Cypress is a southern plant that I don’t know a lot about but they sure are popular and should do well anywhere in the south.
Green Giant arborvitae beats Leyland Cypress on many counts: More disease resistant, do not lose their bottom leaves (needles) like all the Leylands do; more graceful form (compare photographs online); longer life; comparable growth rate.
were are you situated? In Ontario where?
I am interested in a “”Select Weeping Nootka” .
How big and how much would it cost?
I have bought a few things from you including the plastic cup-like device to help a plant limb grow roots. Problem is I can’t find instructions for use. I seem to remember that I had your video instructions but I can’t find that either. I would appreciate it if you could help.
James, here you go. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2012/05/clam-shell-air-propagator/ To others, we no longer sell these, look on Amazon for air propagators.
I just wanted to say thanks to Mike. I started my landscaping and gardening business 5 years ago. I remember the first video I watched on YouTube of Mike’s was how to edge beds with a flat spade. What a great help all these free videos have been to me. Everytime I look at my orange AM leonard spade I think of Mike and say to myself,” Man, I started this 70k a year business with THAT spade and a little help from Mike’s backyard nursery.”
That is absolutely awesome! I’m proud of you!
Hey Mike – I was wondering if you need to have Nursery Stock Certification to be selling plants even at a small backyard scale. Thank you for everything you do! Cheers.
Jimmy,
That depends on your state but in most states you do. It’s all about your plants being inspected and deemed pest free. Some states allow you to sell up to $5,000 without a license. You have to research that in your state.
Hello,
I want to purchase your backyard nursery guide but for some reason, the payment got rejected on your side. I contacted my credit card agency en they told me that my side was ok but it got rejected by your side.
Any suggestions?
Kevin,
Contact Duston in the office and he will help you. [email protected] or [email protected]
Hello Mike,
I am interested in your Backyard Growing course. I live in Central Florida on the West coast. Zone 9B. I am unfamiliar with the kind of plants that would sell here.
Could you advise me?
Thanks.
Peggy,
We have a number of members in Florida, some of the highly successful. Best thing to do is just visit local garden centers, see what they are selling, that’s a good place to start. And I have this;
21 Plants that are Easy to Grow and Sell Like Crazy
The following 21 plants are really easy to grow and they sell like hot cakes. They always have been really good sellers and they always will be really good sellers. And this list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to plants that you can grow and sell that people want to buy.
1. Forsythia
2. Red Weigela
3. Varigated Weigela
4. Pink Flowering Weigela
5. Red Twig Dogwood
6. Fragrant Viburnums
7. All Flowering Viburnums
8. Potentilla
9. Dappled Willow
10. Pussy Willow
11. Daylillies
12. Hosta
13. Huchera
14. All kinds of Perennials
15. Armeria
16. Boxwood
17. Japanese Hollies
18. English Hollies
19. Rhododendrons
20. PJM Dwarf Rhododendron
21. Hydrangeas
22. Rose of Sharon
23. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
24. White Dogwood trees
25. Chinese Dogwoods
26. Blue Rug Juniper
27. Gold Flame Spirea
28. Gold Mound Spirea
29. Ornamental Grasses of all kinds
30. Crimson Pygmy Barberry
31. Rosy Glow Barberry
Okay, that’s 31 and I could go on forever.
Here are some plants for warmer zones, 8,9, and 10
Fragrant Tea Olive
Gardenia,
Camellia,
Azalea,
Jasmines
Palm trees
Tropical Hibiscus
Burgundy Chinese Fringe Flower
Bogainvilla
Owari & Hamlin Oranges
Satsuma
Kumquat
Azalea (out the wazoo down here)
Crepe Myrtle (ditto)
Lilies
Camelias
amaryllis
hybrids such as Blossom Peacock and Papillo
Japanese Pieris
Satsuma’s
Star gazer lilies
Crape Myrtles of all kinds
Gardenia varieties-evergreen
Azalea varieties-evergreen & deciduous(native)
Camellia varieties-evergreen
Fragrant Tea Olive-evergreen
Nandina varieties-evergreen
Loropetalum/Chinese fringe flowers
Chase Tree
Abelia -so many new exciting varieties -good for zones 6-10!
Viburnums
Daphne
Cleyera-evergreen
Burning Bush/ Euonymus varieties…
Spirea -especially Bridalwreath, Little Princess, Goldmound…
Butterfly Bushes
Jasmines (vines-Carolina, Confederate)
Confederate Rose
Lady Banks Rose
Anise (check out Florida Sunshine)
Holly-Soft Touch/Sky Pencil/Youpon/Burfordii….
Crape Myrtles
Japanese Magnolias(Saucer, Betty, Royal Star…)
Southern Magnolias
Dogwoods
Red Buds
Japanese Maples
Evergreen hedge trees/shrubs
Leyland Cypress
Murray/Arborvitae
Japanese Cedar(cryptomeria)
false cypress(Chamaecyparis…)
Junipers-Blue Rug, Sargentii, Blue Point,…
Trees:
Chinense Pistache
Fruitless Mulberry
Weeping Willow
Live oak
Red oak
Catalpa
Vitex (or Chaste Tree)
Desert Willow
Shrub:
Nellie R Stevens
Wax Myrtle
Red Tip Photinia
Korean Boxwood
Radicans Gardenia
Loropetalum
Yaupon Holly
Perennials:
Salvias
Sedums
Butterfly Bush
Reeves Spiraea
Van Houtti Spiraea
Vines:
Honeysuckle (coral)
Crossvine
Star Jasmine
Gary Lovett shared this list for zone 7
If I have the following on hand, I expect to sell everyone. My spelling might not be good. But you will recognize them.
All types of Hosta, Stella de ora daliliy, happy returns daylily, viburnum carcephalum, viburnum sterile, viburnum popcorn, jane magnolia, ann magnolia, leonard messel magnolia, green giant arborvitae, emerald green arborvitae, degroot spirae arborvitae, Ogdon spirae, goldmound spirae, goldflame spirae, little princess spirae, neon flash spirae, autumn fire sedum, palace purple heuchera, red pixie lilac, miss kim lilac, Lynwood gold forsythia,kumson forsythia, peegee hydrangea, silver dollar hydrangea(my favorite paniculate), Annabelle hydrangea, phantom hydrangea(some people believes this one is better than limelight), pink diamond hydrangea, penny mac hydrangea, all summer beauty hydrangea, mock orange, all types of crapemyrtles, burning bush, boxwoods, globosa nana, pink poppett weigelia, tango weigelia, variegated weigelia, red prince weigelia, all types of azaleas, apple trees, peach trees, pear trees, nanking bush cherry, rabbiteye blueberries, blackberries, ceasear’s brother iris, Japanese maples, clematises, major wheeler honeysuckle, and roses.
I think that is fifty. I have sold all of the ones listed above except carcephalum and popcorn viburnum. I am sure there are a lot that I left out. Just taking a break from working, and thought I would start a post.
This year I have peonies and bleeding hearts. I think they will be a success. Hope this post helps someone, especially newbies looking for something to grow in zone 7. These should all work in the Midsouth.
This is so great thanks, I live in zone 5 some of these will grow here as well. I am so scared about picking what to buy and grow and sell. I just found your youtube videos and have been learning from you. Now, I’ve found your site. I think I will need to sign up for your classes and read your books.
We have 10 wooded acres with space being cleared (by us) to start a backyard nursery. I have no idea what will sell or not and how to price. Do you go lower than standard nurseries in your area when you are starting up? I love plants, I’m excited about this start-up, but I’m terrified also.
Wendy
I should have asked in my last reply, do you have a list of plants for zone 5?
Thanks so much for all your knowledge,
Wendy Hill
Wendy,
Here you go.
21 Plants that are Easy to Grow and Sell Like Crazy
The following 21 plants are really easy to grow and they sell like hot cakes. They always have been really good sellers and they always will be really good sellers. And this list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to plants that you can grow and sell that people want to buy.
1. Forsythia
2. Red Weigela
3. Varigated Weigela
4. Pink Flowering Weigela
5. Red Twig Dogwood
6. Fragrant Viburnums
7. All Flowering Viburnums
8. Potentilla
9. Dappled Willow
10. Pussy Willow
11. Daylillies
12. Hosta
13. Huchera
14. All kinds of Perennials
15. Armeria
16. Boxwood
17. Japanese Hollies
18. English Hollies
19. Rhododendrons
20. PJM Dwarf Rhododendron
21. Hydrangeas
22. Rose of Sharon
23. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
24. White Dogwood trees
25. Chinese Dogwoods
26. Blue Rug Juniper
27. Gold Flame Spirea
28. Gold Mound Spirea
29. Ornamental Grasses of all kinds
30. Crimson Pygmy Barberry
31. Rosy Glow Barberry
Okay, that’s 31 and I could go on forever.
Here are some plants for warmer zones, 8,9, and 10
Fragrant Tea Olive
Gardenia,
Camellia,
Azalea,
Jasmines
Palm trees
Tropical Hibiscus
Burgundy Chinese Fringe Flower
Bogainvilla
Owari & Hamlin Oranges
Satsuma
Kumquat
Azalea (out the wazoo down here)
Crepe Myrtle (ditto)
Lilies
Camelias
amaryllis
hybrids such as Blossom Peacock and Papillo
Japanese Pieris
Satsuma’s
Star gazer lilies
Crape Myrtles of all kinds
Gardenia varieties-evergreen
Azalea varieties-evergreen & deciduous(native)
Camellia varieties-evergreen
Fragrant Tea Olive-evergreen
Nandina varieties-evergreen
Loropetalum/Chinese fringe flowers
Chase Tree
Abelia -so many new exciting varieties -good for zones 6-10!
Viburnums
Daphne
Cleyera-evergreen
Burning Bush/ Euonymus varieties…
Spirea -especially Bridalwreath, Little Princess, Goldmound…
Butterfly Bushes
Jasmines (vines-Carolina, Confederate)
Confederate Rose
Lady Banks Rose
Anise (check out Florida Sunshine)
Holly-Soft Touch/Sky Pencil/Youpon/Burfordii….
Crape Myrtles
Japanese Magnolias(Saucer, Betty, Royal Star…)
Southern Magnolias
Dogwoods
Red Buds
Japanese Maples
Evergreen hedge trees/shrubs
Leyland Cypress
Murray/Arborvitae
Japanese Cedar(cryptomeria)
false cypress(Chamaecyparis…)
Junipers-Blue Rug, Sargentii, Blue Point,…
Trees:
Chinense Pistache
Fruitless Mulberry
Weeping Willow
Live oak
Red oak
Catalpa
Vitex (or Chaste Tree)
Desert Willow
Shrub:
Nellie R Stevens
Wax Myrtle
Red Tip Photinia
Korean Boxwood
Radicans Gardenia
Loropetalum
Yaupon Holly
Perennials:
Salvias
Sedums
Butterfly Bush
Reeves Spiraea
Van Houtti Spiraea
Vines:
Honeysuckle (coral)
Crossvine
Star Jasmine
Gary Lovett shared this list for zone 7
If I have the following on hand, I expect to sell everyone. My spelling might not be good. But you will recognize them.
All types of Hosta, Stella de ora daliliy, happy returns daylily, viburnum carcephalum, viburnum sterile, viburnum popcorn, jane magnolia, ann magnolia, leonard messel magnolia, green giant arborvitae, emerald green arborvitae, degroot spirae arborvitae, Ogdon spirae, goldmound spirae, goldflame spirae, little princess spirae, neon flash spirae, autumn fire sedum, palace purple heuchera, red pixie lilac, miss kim lilac, Lynwood gold forsythia,kumson forsythia, peegee hydrangea, silver dollar hydrangea(my favorite paniculate), Annabelle hydrangea, phantom hydrangea(some people believes this one is better than limelight), pink diamond hydrangea, penny mac hydrangea, all summer beauty hydrangea, mock orange, all types of crapemyrtles, burning bush, boxwoods, globosa nana, pink poppett weigelia, tango weigelia, variegated weigelia, red prince weigelia, all types of azaleas, apple trees, peach trees, pear trees, nanking bush cherry, rabbiteye blueberries, blackberries, ceasear’s brother iris, Japanese maples, clematises, major wheeler honeysuckle, and roses.
I think that is fifty. I have sold all of the ones listed above except carcephalum and popcorn viburnum. I am sure there are a lot that I left out. Just taking a break from working, and thought I would start a post.
This year I have peonies and bleeding hearts. I think they will be a success. Hope this post helps someone, especially newbies looking for something to grow in zone 7. These should all work in the Midsouth.
Giving this a bump by replying, but also chiming in with flowering quince, flowering currant, escallonia, and ceanothus (California lilac) for warmer zones. They’re easy to propagate, grow fast, and sell well (for me anyway). The escallonia and ceanothus work great as either hedge or specimen plants. The quince and ceanothus tend to bloom early (April-ish) here in western WA. I think the quince and currant are good for colder zones too. -Andrea
Wendy,
The short answer is, and I’m not trying to sell you, but invest $7.00 in a 30 day membership to Our Backyard Growers Group, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, membership is open now. After 30 days you can cancel if you want, but in 30 days you’ll get all of those questions plus 100 more answered. And you’ll be able to buy plants really, really cheap. Plants to grow? I just posted a list for you in your other comment. But keep in mind, you have shade, lots of people are looking for things that do well in shade. Prices? $6.97 is a good place to start in today’s market.
Thanks Mike,
I signed up shortly after my post. I am learning a lot. It is super helpful to have places to buy and learn and share (mostly I’m learning from other people sharing)
I live in Northern North Dakota. I have bought 10 acres and am looking at rebuying your membership. I purchased it years ago. I am wondering if there are enough to propagate and make some income here in the zone 3-4 area/
Loretta,
Yes, those cold zones are more challenging, but people in your area love and buy plants all the time. We have members in cold zones.
Mike……I paid the 57.00. How do I access the inforrmation? So far, I have nothing. Please help. Thank you. David Sands
David,
I sent your info to Duston, he’ll get you a link very shortly.
Greetings,
I’m having a Yellow leaves with brown spots problem on my 2 or 3 yr old Red Delicious Apple tree. I’ve looked online and none of the images I’ve seen are Quite like My leaves.. I’ve sent you an email and enclosed some pics, but your Son sent me here. So if you could, could you please look at them and give an opinion? Sorry some of them are blurry, I’m disabled with shaky hands and am using my Kindle as a Camera…
Thanks,
LOVE your Newsletter!
Peter,
I don’t see any incoming email. I just don’t have the time. Duston handles that from 3,000 miles away. I wouldn’t be overly concerned, leaves are really temporary. Could be just too much rain.
Hi Mike! Thank you for all the information you can share with us! I am 20 years old and have grown up with plants all my life but have only started to find out about plant propagation a year or two ago… I am looking at starting a small backyard nursery in the near future and am starting to take some cuttings from my plants…
I have a question for you. I have heard a little bit about plant patents and the importance about knowing which plant is patent or has a trademark before propagating… there are some plants that I have found very hard to find any patent information on. so my question is, I’m wondering if there is a website or database out there where I can look the patent information for each plant? Thank you for everything.
March,
There is but it’s a bit confusing to navigate. I usually just google the plant and look at various well known sites that I trust looking for patent information. Many plants in garden centers are patented or protected. See this; http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2014/05/patented-plants-and-plants-with-registered-trademarks-and-the-tale-of-white-fountain-weeping-cherry-trees/
Hhere is the link to the patent office, you have to put the pp and the number to get its info.
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=0&f=S&l=50&TERM1=Pp10000&FIELD1=&co1=AND&TERM2=&FIELD2=&d=PTXT
I have a Siberian Weeping Pea tree that was planted by a reputable landscaper in 2010. Each year, it sprouts tiny green leaves on its branches but never sprouts new growth in the form of “weeping” branches. It pretty much looks exactly as it did when planted 8 years ago. Would you have any idea as to what would be keeping it from growing? It does form seed pods. My house faces north and the tree is planted on the southeast corner (mostly on the east than on the south end of the house) so it gets morning and mostly afternoon sun (later afternoon, it is in the shade). There are Stella D’Oro Daylilies planted in the area around it and all is mulched with a supposed hard wood mulch. The daylilies are healthy. I had the landscaper come out last year and look at it but he didn’t provide any suggestions on what was going on with the tree; just suggested replacing it. That would cost me about $300. Due to the cost of replacement, I’d prefer to find out what is wrong with the tree and try to correct the problem. Any suggestions?
Quiggley,
Too wet? Planted too deep? Is it possible that it was in plastic burlap or nylon string that might be choking the tree at the base of the stem? That’s really all I can think of.
There’s also the possibility if it was in a container too long that the roots circled and never broke out of that circle when it was planted. Thus the tree is very slow growing if not slowly being strangled underground. If you don’t have the experience, it takes a bit of a leap of faith to cut roots to overcome the circling.
Hi there,
I live in Ontario, Canada.
I’m curious as to whether your member/business areas include members from Canada. Also, is plant material able to be shipped to Canada from your US members And vice versa without a huge hassle?
Jack,
We do have Canadian members that sell plants to others, but shipping across the border is a huge hassle. We need more Canadians to sell plants!
Hi there,
I live in Ontario, Canada.
I’m curious as to whether your member/business areas include members from Canada. Also, is plant material able to be shipped to Canada from your US members And vice versa without a huge hassle?
Mike,
I want to build 4-6 propagation beds for cuttings. What are your suggestions for the spacing I should have between beds. Thanks!
Terry,
30″ is a good space between the beds.
Do I stand any chance propagating anything in my nasty clay soil in South Carolina. I can’t even look at this terrible blight in my backyard. As a transplant from Ma. I thought stone soil was bad. Clay soil is evil. LOL
LJT, Fort Mill. SC
Leonard,
Most growing and propagation is not done with soil but a potting mix or a rooting mix. Many nurseries sit on terrible soil.
Hi Mike,
This is probably a stupid question, but since I haven’t seen anything that provides an answer to it, I’ll go ahead and ask it. I’m very interested in taking the 30 day trial period for seven dollars once memberships open up on January 10. My question is this: If I sign up for the 30 day trial period, is the option of paying $497 for a full lifetime membership still available once the trial period is over? Or must I choose the single payment option from the beginning? I told you it was probably a stupid question. Looking forward to hearing back from you.
Bob in Galloway, Ohio
Bob,
1. Sign up for the 30 trial.
2. Before the 30 days is up let Duston know, [email protected], that you’re on the trial but would like to pay in full before you get billed for your first installment. He’ll stop your payments before they start and send you a link where you can pay the one time payment of $497.
Not a dumb question at all, thanks for asking.
Hi Mike. It has been quite awhile since I first read and learned your info. and then forgot most of it again and again and again. My name is Todd Lohnes and I’m the guy from Nova Scotia, Canada and I’m also the guy that went through quite a life changer when I was working in the wood s one day and I just happened to turn my back on a tree that I left hanging. Well, at the end of the day, I was left in a hospital with a crushed spinal cord and a bit of a brain injury. That was March 3, 1997 and I can tell you in any split second of any day that I would rather have lost the use of my legs than to be afflicted with a brain injury. My short-term memory is still pretty bad, but I’ll never forget your helping me out by donating all or at least most of your info. about plants and what I liked the most was/is plant propagation. My only problem right now is finding all of the info. on wintertime propagation. I have your info. in diff. folders everywhere, but thankfully I have it in password safety. Things have changed a bit over the years, but I’ve finally rooted some plants and I’ve been going through a trial and error myself. You won’t have chance to see this I don’t imagine Mike, but I hope that your family is very thankful for all that you’ve done for them as I’m sure how thankful you are to have such a hard-working family. See you later Mike, thankfully, Todd.
Todd,
Truly sorry to hear of your injuries, any of our lives can change in the blink of an eye as you know better than anybody. Most everything you need to know is here on this site and the search feature is very helpful. Take care and thank you for touching base with me.
Hello Mike! My question is: if the same potting soil recipe will work good with a Mayer lemon tree and if you know any place or website where I could buy ready mix like yours?
Matt,
Good potting soil is very much a regional thing. There are ready to use, bulk, mixes available but at best one or two suppliers per state. That’s why most end up making their own mix.
Here are some tips on getting good potting soil;
Looking online for mulch is probably not the best place to look because many of the dealers who sell mulch really have little to no web presence at all. I’m sure there has to be some hardwood bark available in New Jersey.
I’d pick up the phone and start calling around. Garden Centers, landscapers and excavators will know who sells bulk hardwood bark mulch. These dealers are often hidden away on some side street.
I’d take a full day and visit as many garden centers and nurseries in your area that you can. Browse, ask some casual questions.
1. Do you know of anybody in the area that sells bulk mulch.
2. Do you know of anybody in the area that sells bulk potting soil.
3. What do most growers around here use as a potting mix.
Bulk potting soil is available, usually around $55 a yard, but worth it. But it’s not readily available in all areas and in most cases you need to send a truck to get it.
But it won’t cost anything to ask these questions. You’ll either get really good, answers, might get the brush off, or you might find somebody who loves to talk about growing plants and will bury you in valuable information.
Good info here about potting soil, http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2014/12/mike-mcgroartys-secret-bed-building-and-potting-soil-recipe/
and here;
http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/10/how-to-make-your-own-awesome-potting-soil/
In your video, you state that cuttings are potted then a tea spoon of fertilize is added to each plant.
I have Milorganite (organic) 5 – 2 – 0 and Gardenville Premium (organic) 7 – 2 – 2 available. Which fertilize do you use and recommend?
Richard,
In containers it’s best to use a slow release fertilizer like Osmocote 14 14 14.
Hey Mike, will you have any more pots for sale sometime soon?
Mark,
Probably not, handling pots just didn’t work out for us and there are way too many other places to get them. Sorry. You should be able to get a good price from somebody fairly close to you.
If I am looking for a source of the pots you recommend what am I searching for as equivalent?
Mike,
Any pot that is 5″ by 6″ would be perfect, I’m not sure which exact pot that would be, it varies from manufacture to manufacture. I know many of the members, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, have their own favorite pots.
Hi Mike. I really enjoy your videos and the info on your website. I wish that I was in America so I could take advantage of your members area, however I live in Cambodia (nonexistant mail system) Do you have any members in my part of the world that I could swap email with or advice on plants for zone 13
Todd,
Honestly, I don’t know what we do. At least members of the Business Center, http://backyardgrowers.com/join. I’m sure we have subscribers, we have subscribers all over the world. But I really don’t know who they are because I interact with folks in the business center. Sorry.
I am looking for small potted pine trees to use as a centerpiece at a baby shower, and then they’ll be given away as prizes. Any suggestions on what kind and where I can get them??
Rachel,
Best place to ask is in the members area, I can’t share wholesale sources on this page. http://backyardgrowers.com/join
My daughter needs to buy a wheel barrow and I saw a video you posted on how to buy a wheel barrow. How do I access that video?
Theresa, here you go http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2013/05/wheelbarrow-review-which-wheelbarrow-should-you-or-i-buy/
and http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2010/05/wheelbarrow-tips-tricks/
i checked the bottom of the pot and the roots are coming out the bottom and cracking the sides the plant is 10 inches sorry i read wrong, and the pot is 3in tall and 3in across at its widest
Probably time to shift to a larger pot.
how much larger and can it wait until January since its dorment in winter also the roots coming out the bottom are dark dark brown are the still alive? and how do i get it out of the pot without damaging the roots sticking out?
Abigail,
It can wait until April. Just pull it out of the pot, clip the roots off the bottom first. On January 10th we open the members area but just for a few days, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, be sure to take the trial and be prepared to be amazed by all the help you can get and you can share photos etc. to get even better advice.
i dont have a job to pay for the membership and you never said the size of pot i should move it up to
Abigail,
When I see these comments I only see the last one typed so I can’t remember what we discussed earlier but I think a one gallon container is what you need. I’m not trying to force you into membership, it really makes no difference to me. But for $7.00 you will learn more than you can imagine, and you can discover how to make your plants pay for your membership. In your in a situation where a lot of our permanent members, myself included, once were. It’s not always easy getting started, but once you get some momentum established you will be on your way. http://backyardgrowers.com/join
i have a young cypress tree and was wondering what the best fertilizer is for evergreens and how to apply it
Abigail,
I never fertilize the plants in my landscape and never have. they do just fine. If you truly feel compelled I would say use Osmocote.
I was also wondering when to move it up in pot size its in pot right now and the plant is 3 inches tall .
Abigail,
Plants really don’t need to be shifted into a large pot until the roots reach the pot and even then you still have some time. They actually do better in the smaller pot until they start to get root bound.
i looked at the bottom and there are roots coming out heavily
i looked at bottom and the roots are coming out the bottom of the pot and cracking the sides. also got the height wrong its 10 inches tall and the pot is 3 inches tall and 3 inches across.
i checked the bottom of the pot and the roots are coming out the bottom and cracking the sides the plant is 10 inches sorry i read wrong, and the pot is 3in tall and 3in across at its widest.
i checked the bottom of the pot and the roots are coming out the bottom and cracking the sides the plant is 10 inches sorry i read wrong, and the pot is 3in tall and 3in across at its widest
How do you plant a tree from a gallon of corse sand without the sand falling away and you plaNt bare roots?
Cap Carl ,,,,, thank you………………
Carl,
When pulling cuttings from coarse sand you really want them to shake out bare root since there is no nutrition in the sand itself.
Hi,
I have read on the internet that roses like Osiria and mister lincoln do not grow well from seeds. However full plants are just too expensive to buy and ship. Is there any other way to grow them true to type.
Thank you.
Muhammad,
See this on growing roses from cuttings http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2013/10/how-to-grow-roses-from-cuttings-2/
I have requested to buy 4 spray nozzles, I have your program for a few years now and I need 4 more spray nozzles.. I must. be sending to wrong email.
Please respond Contact Duston in the office, [email protected] 440-259-4306 to order.
Hi Mike,
I am confused about ordering your books. All I can find to click on is The Advanced Training Manuals for $147. Can I just buy the one or two books I am interested in first?
Wanda,
This product is on sale at the moment. http://backyardgrowers.com/grow-system-sale
Or this, http://freeplants.com/easy-plant-propagation.htm
Or this http://freeplants.com/wanted2.html
Where do I Japanese Maple plants for under $1.50 each????
RC,
That depends on how many you want. In the University and in the members area we share the wholesale sources that we buy from. In small quantities you’ll have to pay a little more, probably $2.00 to $2.50. But if you can place a larger order you should still be able to get them in the $1.50 price range. I can’t share those sources here publicly as I’m sure you understand. Best way to get that information is to take the 30 day trial of the members area when it opens again. http://backyardgrowers.com/join
I used your formula and rooted over 60 gardenia cuttings last fall.
Now I have put them on ebay and have had some success selling them.
First I sold by auction and only got 99 cents for a single plant and the buyer had to pay %6.85 postage.
Then I decided to package ten plants into one sale for a freight included price of $30. After paying $12 in postage, I netted $18 from ten rooted cuttings.
It really does work..
I started with a plastic dish pan from dollar tree, I punched 4 holes in the bottom and filled it with sand per your instructions.
I inserted 70 gardenia cuttings and then watered them into the sand. I out the whole pan into a white plastic garbage bag and sealed it up. After 6 weeks they were rooted and I replanted them into cheap plastic 4 inch pots also from dollar tree and then waited through the winter for them to grow a great root system.
These are the plants that I am selling and everything over 30 cents is profit.
Good job with your directions.
Nice Charles! I’m sure you can get a lot more than that for them!
i have always enjoyed this website and i have learned a lot about gardening and multiplying plants i am interested in joining the backyard growers i live in southern california i have a thing for bamboo, agave, various cacti, and lately plumerias. i also enjoy growing tropical plants. thanks for the uplifting and inspiring info!
I’m a little confused. Do you have to do the cuttings in small containers or could you just build a propagation bed on the ground for them with 7-8 inches of sand. I’m not sure if you go from the containers in bags with cuttings to your propagation bed or could you just put them right in the propagation bed.
Terry,
All of my cuttings are direct stuck right into a bed of sand. Unrooted, just stuck straight into the sand, see this http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/10/how-to-build-a-plant-propagation-bed-for-rooting-cuttings/ and we use this system to get them rooted quickly, http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/mikes-plant-propagation-kit/
Hi Mike,
Quick question. I read your info on Patents and saw your list of easy plants to propagate. I didnt see the Blue Potato Bush, “Royal Robe”, Lycianthes Rantonnetti. I couldnt find a Patent on this exact plant. Can you tell me if its patented or not? Thank you,
Michael
Michael,
With a quick google search I did not see any evidence of a patent on this plant. That’s not exactly the scientific approach but that’s usually what I do. Patented plants are usually being sold by some main stream large growers who are very good about showing patent info on the the plants that they sell. Hhere is the link to the patent office, but it can be tricky to use and if you are not really good at it, it can return false results. We have a member, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, that are good at it. But I don’t use it.
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=0&f=S&l=50&TERM1=Pp10000&FIELD1=&co1=AND&TERM2=&FIELD2=&d=PTXT
Yes was wondering if its possible to grow plants in FL using your program. Do you have supported customers on east cost of FL.
Gene,
We have a number or growers in Florida that do quite well. Several active in the members area. http://backyardgrowers.com/join
hi mike just wondering if you’ll be coming out with new youtube video updates at any point this year I really enjoy all of your youtube videos thanks I’m 25
John
John,
Probably, but I’m also planning a lot of new posts to http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/ with still images.
Hi all plant and pet lovers,
I have huge old mop head blue hydrangeas with the dried flowers from last year still intact. When should I cut these and how far back?? The bushes are over 6′ tall and I’d love to sell some cuttings but not sure about the right time to cut them. Some of the leaves had big brown spots on them which I think had to do with water, here in mobile, al we can get a week of gushing rain Lockett split. I’m zone 8b-9ish?? Thank you for your time! Gardngurl
Tina,
You can cut them now, in the spring, the better time would have been last summer right after flowering. It’s best to take cuttings from fresh growth in June, http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
Greetings Mike and Everyone Posting,
I’m hoping that you can help me navigate the way through state and local Florida laws regarding selling plants that you grow as a back yard gardener….I am very interested in this, however I’ve heard that it’s against the law to sell plants unless you have licenses and inspector walks often…when I go to look for such laws – I do see some licenses and yes there are inspectors…but I don’t think I’m uncovering the right information. I’ve put in calls to the local and state levels, but no one calls back…any advice you can give me would be much appreciated.
Jan,
I address this in my small plants big profits book and it comes up all the time in the members area, http://backyardgrowers.com/join. You do have to be licensed and all of our plants are inspected once a year. That protects us all from buying pest ridden plants. Each state is a bit different, but your dept of agriculture will have the application you need.
I HAVE ACER PALMATUM GROWN FROM SEEDS –I DID WHAT YOU SAID AND ALL WENT WELL—-
BUT THE TREES GROW HIGH AND THE TRUNK IS VERY THIN—I CUT THE TOP OF SOME OF THE TREES BUT THEY DIED—-
THEY LOOK GOOD BUT THE TRUNK CONTINUOUS VERY THIN—-
i live in south america—-we are in summer—
THANKS–
Elena,
Just stake them to keep the stems straight then trim the top where you want the branching to start. When you prune don’t remove all of the leaves or prune when dormant then it doesn’t matter. Pruning them should not kill them, it will force them to fill out. Eventually those stems will beef up.
Hi Mike,
I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you for all of your shared knowledge. I save every email from you, in a “Gardening Mike” folder. I hope that someday, sooner than later, I will either be able to sell plants on my own or produce enough to sell to you.
Currently, I’ve been busy having surgeries, and am not quite in the condition to think of anything other than that, and the minimums of taking care of my house and my son, but I sure hope to someday be able to get back in the sing of things. I’ve always enjoyed gardening in the past. I would love to get back at it
Kris,
Thank you for your kind words, wishing you the best and the best of gardening!
Mike,
I have a camellia bush, (shell pink) and every year when the season starts to turn colder, it’s bloomed out and the frost always kills it. I’ve wondered if I could take some cuttings off of it and grow them before they get nipped in the bud so to speak.I love the bush and I only have the one. I just feel like it’s being wasted. How would I do this please if I can do it?
Sandra,
You can try them as hardwood cuttings but I think you’d have better results with softwood cuttings in early summer. See this article. http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
Is there a mailing list i would like to be on it.
Len,
You can join our mailing list here http://freeplants.com/
I’m interested in the “Free DVD Reveals the Fastest Way to Make Money With Plants”. followed the link but it’s broken. is there some place online I can download it and the data sheets that go with it? TY, John 🙂
John,
Email the office about this link and Duston will help you. [email protected]
My property is 33′ x 125′ x45′ x145′ a pie shaped lot. The house on it is 1704 sq. ft.
Is this large enough to grow commercially with your plan?
Thanks,
Stuart Cameron
Stuart,
I think in the end only you can decide that, but you can really do a lot in a really tiny space. Each rooted cutting needs about one square inch and as soon as they are rooted they can be sold right out of the propagation bed or flat, or potted up in a small pot and sold a couple of months later. I am constantly telling people to start in a really small area and expand from there. Even people with 40 acres, I still tell them to pick one little tiny area and pack that full before expanding.
The secret to doing this is to grow and sell, not keep acquiring more an more plants. If you do this correctly you can sell things rather quickly. That means less water, less weeding etc. Often times easier to sell things when the supply is limited and you let your customers know that.
how do you grow a japanese maple tree from seed?
Maxine,
Here you go, detailed instructions. http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/10/how-to-grow-japanese-red-maple-trees-from-seed/
My business partner and I are considering creating a plant propagation business. I have two questions. Everything being equal and assuming I have sufficient plant material, equipment and supplies how many labor hours would be required to produce $10,000 of profit? Also, approximately, what would be the initial start up cost to get the equipment and supplies necessary to begin the business if I bought it from Mike? I understand that the answers to these questions are approximate and only a rough estimate. Thank you.
Phil,
Labor hours? I’m not sure that I can answer that because it truly depends on who is doing the work and how efficiently they work. When I am making cuttings, potting up plants, trimming plants etc. I’d like to think that I work much more efficiently than people I hire. My motivation is different than theirs. Getting started is pretty easy and not all that expensive.
The propagation equipment, http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/mikes-plant-propagation-kit/ we sell for $297 and you’ll still need a few things from the hardware store. You’ll need some sand, how much depends on how aggressive you are at sticking cuttings, but I’d estimate that I use about 4 ton of sand for 15,000 cuttings. That’s a rough estimate.
There are so many ways to get started. If you want to invest you can buy liners from other members, http://backyardgrowers.com/join and turn around and sell them almost immediately at a really nice profit. That activity alone could finance your operation. If you are serious about this, I highly recommend joining the Backyard Growers Business Center, http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/ that’s the best education in world. And if you are going to do that, the bundle offer on this page is the best price we offer.
I don’t promise people certain income amounts. It’s really up to the individual. The market is wide open and right now the industry is bouncing back from the recession really strong. The plant market is excellent right now. I live in a town of wholesale nurseries. We have about 100 of them within a 10 mile radius of my house. Couple years back, when the economy was much weaker, they were surveyed. 85 responded to the survey and reported a combined gross sales of 85 million dollars. On average a million dollars gross per nursery. Of course they have lots and lots of expenses. But this speaks to the potential market that is out there for plants.
All of these growers buy in plants. A lot of plants. They grow millions of their own, but they also buy in rooted cuttings and liners, they buy in one gallons, you name it they buy it in. In many cases they can’t keep up with the demand so they buy.
Think about that. I’m talking about a little tiny area in the north east corner of Ohio.
I know I didn’t answer your questions specifically but if this interests you, I suggest you get started on a small scale and you can compile your own numbers for labor verses profit. You really need to test drive the experience to make sure it’s a good match for you.
Thanks Mike. I understand that there are many factors that determine the answer to my questions and therefore it is difficult to determine labor hours that would create $10,000 in profit. As someone who has owned a couple of small businesses, as well as having been a pastor in a past life, I like to run the numbers before jumping in. I own 30 acres where I recently built a home and want the land itself to generate enough income to pay for itself, at a minimum. Of the ventures I have considered to help pay for the land plant propagation is one that can help maximize investment to profit ratio. Thanks.
Phil,
Since you have experience running other businesses you have a huge advantage. You understand the principle of multiplying your efforts and finding the fastest way to a profit. Far too many people want to grow things from see and wait and wait. When in fact, growing from seed, doing cuttings, buying liners and re-selling them are things that should all be done at the same time. 30 acres huh? Do me a favor, pick out 1/20th of an acre close to the house and concentrate on that. When that spot is full expand a little. Don’t spread out too fast, the weeds will make you crazy.
I absolutely adore your relationship with your furry four legged friends. They are so endurring. I also enjoy all the informations. Thanks
Thanks Barbara. I truly believe that pets are something that you love.
Hello,
I was wondering if you know how propagate a Monkey tree. I cannot find any information on this beautiful tree.
Thanks
Adam,
I’m not familiar a monkey tree and you can find the botanical name that will help a great deal. Many trees are successfully grown from seed but often the seeds have to go through a stratificaion process to soften the outer coating of the seed before it will germinate. If you google seed germination database and look the tree up by it’s botanical name you can learn how to pre-treat the seeds. Or try softwood cuttings in June. See this http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
Mike, just wanted to let anyone who has red ants I have found a good solution without insecticide. I use boiling water!! I was infested last year, I used everything they had on the market to no avail!!! So, I boiled pots of water in fall when they have there huge nests appearing all over and pour it slowly all around next! I did this on my days off and every week I would see where they moved what was left until they were nowhere to be found!! This year there were hardly any!! Now, fall is here and they all seem to bring there mounds to the surface and there are not to many, so I’ve started boiling water again, to get any nests!! I have so many animals they I just can’t put down the poison and this has worked great!! Thought I’d share for those trying to battle these annoying pests!!! Hope it helps someone!!
Thanks Mary.
I use bird seed. Th. seeds attracts the birds and they eat the ants. Im a tree hugger so it I dont use poison. Birds fed, ants gone, and safe for environment, kids and animals.
Any hints for changing zoning codes to allow small nurseries in backyards?
Jeff,
This is always a great conversation in the members area, http://backyardgrowers.com/join and you get much more detailed and varied responses from the other members. Most importantly it’s important for you to understand, see it in writing what’s allowed and what is not allowed. Secondly, using terminology like “nursery” can give local officials the wrong impression. That sounds like trucks, tractors migrant workers etc.
If what you are really doing is just enjoying the hobby of gardening in your backyard and selling a few of your plants by putting them in boxes and shipping them out, that’s an entirely different impression.
Mike,
I saw your video on how to get rid of crabgrass in small spots of a yard. Most of my yard is filled with crabgrass. Would it be feasible to do that same as the spot fix or would it be better to have a professional to spray the yard? I considered spray painting sections of my yard and follow your method. Any suggestion would be appreciated. Thanks.
Nancy,
That’s really up to you. If what you have truly is crab grass, freezing whether should kill the crab grass. Crab grass is an annual grass, not a perennial. You prevent crab grass by applying a crab grass preventer in the spring, before the soil temps get about 45 degrees.
Hi Mike I live in northern Ontario . Burks falls north of Huntsville Last year we had a lot of -40 degree weather and about 6 ft. of snow..
How do I protect my cuttings for the winter? I have them in the wooden trays you have pictures on your site. I have Dappled willow, hydrangea, blue spruce, hard maple , mock orange to name a few.
I took about 165 dappled willow could still take another 500 off the tree easily. Anyway look forward to your advise. Love your site. thanks.
Ruth,
Snow is a good thing. It’s a great insulator and does a great job of protecting your cuttings from the wind. Last winter it was minus 22 here and my cuttings were outside, in the sand beds, uncovered and they did amazingly well. The other option is this http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2013/11/over-wintering-protecting-plants-for-the-winter/
Was reading through your lawn repair post and I’m just wondering if it is too late in the season to overseed? I had a nasty creeping charlie infestation in my backyard that I have finally gotten control of. I’m in Youngstown, not too far from you, so just wondering what you recommend. Thanks, MIke!
R.K.,
I will like do some over seeding here in northern, Ohio some time this month. (october) All you really need are a few warm days to get the seed to germinate and it should hold up fine over the winter.
I have a serious problem with “leaf cutting ants”. I find trails where they take the leaf bits for their nests.
They can strip a plant, tree or most anything they like in minutes. it doesn’t kill the plant, but it sure makes me mad. I have worked hard to get my plants growing and looking nice only to walk outside and see the branches stripped of leaves.
Can you offer any advice on eradicating these pests??? I would be forever grateful!!
Thank you for all the worthy comments you make, I have learned much from your postings.
Betty in sunny, warm east TX
Betty,
I’m thinking that a systemic type product is what you need. Bayer has a number of such products available in just about all garden centers. Just fine the one that is labeled for the plants you are trying to protect.